H.R. 9086
Foreign Service Modernization Act
Sponsor: Michael Lawler
3 cosponsors
Official summary
Written by the Congressional Research Service.
Foreign Service Modernization Act
This bill requires or authorizes certain actions related to U.S. Foreign Service (FS) management and operations, including an increased focus on expeditionary diplomacy (a concept that emphasizes diplomats conducting direct diplomacy in high-risk environments outside of the embassy), expanded hiring pathways, and additional training requirements.
For example, the bill requires the Department of State to establish
- a team to develop a plan to improve the capability and willingness of FS members and leaders to engage in expeditionary diplomacy;
- a program to recruit qualified veterans and separating military personnel into the FS, including by integrating FS recruitment into military transition programs; and
- a Diplomatic Reserve Corps pilot program to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a trained reserve cadre providing a surge workforce to support foreign affairs contingencies.
Additionally, the State Department is authorized to establish a structured training framework that is integrated into normal career progression with protected training periods (similar to the Armed Forces' professional military education model).
The bill specifies that FS members
- must successfully complete specified leadership and management training prior to assuming leadership assignments;
- who participate in approved external training, education, or details shall have certain employment protections (such as eligibility for promotions and pay increases on the same basis as those not on such assignments); and
- who undergo full-time, department-funded language training for more than six months must serve at least three consecutive tours in positions requiring proficiency in that language, with assignments beginning immediately after such language training.
Text of the bill
I General provisions
II Management of Service
III Appointments
IV Classification of Positions and Assignments
V Promotion and retention
VI Career development, training, and orientation
Chapter 7 of title I (22 U.S.C. 4021 et seq.), as amended by sections 608, 609, 610, and 611, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
713. Training at consular posts
(a) In general. The Secretary shall require that each Service officer, including temporary duty assignments and permanent change of stations, assigned to perform consular duties complete mandatory, post-specific consular training—
(1) upon arrival at post, conducted concurrently with the performance of official duties through supervised, on-the-job, and practical instruction, and building upon the consular training received prior to departure to such post; and
(2) before independently adjudicating visas, or otherwise performing services for United States citizens.
(b) Training requirement. The training required under subsection (a) shall—
(1) be conducted at post;
(2) have a duration of not less than four weeks, unless shortened by the Secretary based on demonstrated prior experience or exigent operational needs;
(3) be completed under the supervision of experienced consular officers designated by the chief of mission or principal officer;
(4) be documented as part of the officer’s official training and assignment record; and
(5) be conducted by an individual at post with an equivalent or superior rank or responsibility level as the officer.
(c) Training content. The required training shall include instruction and supervised practice in—
(1) country- and post-specific visa adjudication trends, risks, and fraud patterns;
(2) applicable immigration law, regulations, and Department guidance as applied at post;
(3) local processing procedures and workflow;
(4) use of consular information systems;
(5) coordination with locally employed staff and relevant host-nation entities;
(6) national security screening considerations; and
(7) quality assurance and error prevention measures.
(d) Limitation on independent adjudication. A Service officer may not independently adjudicate visas or perform unsupervised consular functions until the officer has—
(1) completed the training required under subsection (b); or
(2) received a written waiver from the chief of mission or principal officer based on prior consular experience and demonstrated proficiency.
(e) Responsibilities
(1) Chiefs of mission and principal officers. Chiefs of mission and Principal officers shall ensure compliance with the training requirements of this section at post.
(2) Consular section leadership. Consular Section Leadership shall develop, maintain and update as necessary post-specific training plans of this section consistent with Department standards.
(3) Secretary. The Secretary shall issue Department-wide guidance to standardize minimum expectations with respect to training under this section and provide for post-level flexibility.
(f) Performance and workload considerations. The time spent by a Service officer in required post-specific consular training—
(1) shall be considered official duty time; and
(2) shall not be treated as a negative factor in performance evaluations.
(g) Oversight. The Secretary—
(1) shall periodically review compliance with the requirements of this section; and
(2) may take corrective action in cases in which training requirements are not being adequately implemented.
VII Other matters